Actress Richa Chadha, acclaimed for her portrayal in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s series “Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar,” opted for a lesser-screentime character that resonates deeply with iconic cinematic figures. Despite being offered a role with more visibility, Chadha chose to play Lajjo, a character she believed would make a lasting impact on the audience. Chadha explained her choice, stating, “When I was approached for ‘Heeramandi,’ Sanjay was the showrunner, and I had been offered another part, the one with more screen time for sure. But because an actor also needs to see what’s new for me, I chose Lajjo.”
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She continued, “I’ve played complex characters like Bholi Punjaban or Tara in ‘Madam Chief Minister.’ Often, I’m cast in roles of strong women, which has led to some typecasting. So, I wanted to shift gears and surprise my audience. Choosing to portray a hopeless romantic in this role was my way of breaking away from that stereotype and truly moving the audience.”
She added, “That’s exactly what’s happening. People are calling me in tears.”
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The role of Lajjo appealed to Chadha instantly when director Sanjay Leela Bhansali introduced it. She saw in Lajjo echoes of Meena Kumari’s character in “Pakeezah” and a feminine twist on “Devdas,” both tragic yet profoundly compelling figures in Indian cinema.
Additionally, Richa Chadha, a trained Kathak dancer, embraced the opportunity to integrate her dance skills into her role. She noted, “I’ve always wanted to include Kathak dance in my on-screen roles, and ‘Heeramandi’ was the perfect chance to do that. As a trained Kathak dancer, performing Lajjo’s dance sequence was incredibly fulfilling for me, adding a layer of authenticity to the character.”
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Richa Chadha’s decision to choose a character with a powerful emotional arc over one with greater screen time underscores her commitment to meaningful storytelling and her desire to continually challenge herself as an artist.
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